KR20070028803A - Multi-function head cleaner for ink-jet printer - Google Patents

Abstract

A multi-function head cleaner for an inkjet printer is provided to remove solidified ink or foreign materials of causing a blocked head nozzle to eject ink step by step with various methods such as a squeeze, an air shower and the like. A multi-function head cleaner(200) for an inkjet printer includes an imaging device(210) to spontaneously magnify and capture an ejected state of a head and to generate image information of determining whether a nozzle is blocked or deformed, a first cleaning device(220) to rotate a wiping sheet(226) rolled in the form of a roll to clean the surface of the head and the nozzle, a second cleaning device(230) to scratch foreign substances on the surface of the head, to remove the foreign substances on the surface and in the nozzle by sucking in a vacuum state, to eject a chemical solution(224) to remove the foreign substances on the surface of the head and the nozzle, and to eject air to dry the chemical solution on the surface of the head and the nozzle, and a moving device to move the imaging device, the first cleaning device, and the second cleaning device to a cleaning position of the head.

Description

Multifunctional head cleaner for inkjet printer {MULTI-FUNCTION HEAD CLEANER FOR INK-JET PRINTER}

1 is a view showing the configuration of a head cleaner using a wiping sheet according to the prior art,

2 is a view showing the configuration of a cleaner having a suction function according to the prior art,

3 is a perspective view of a multifunctional head cleaner for an inkjet printer according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of each of the multi-function head cleaner for the inkjet printer of Figure 3,

FIG. 5 is a control flow diagram sequentially illustrating respective cleaning processes of the multifunctional head cleaner for the inkjet printer of FIG. 3.

<Description of Symbols for Main Parts of Drawings>

200: Multifunctional Head Cleaner for Inkjet Printers

210: imaging unit 211: CCD camera

212: camera lens 213: lighting

214: basket 215: transparent member

220: wet cleaner 221: servo motor

222: powder brake 223: two-stroke cylinder

224: chemical solution 225: solution container

226: wiping sheet 227: secondary roll

228 (228a, 228b): Bundle of up-down rolls

229: recovery roll 230: dry cleaner part

231: vacuum inlet 232: air supply

233: chemical solution supply unit 234: solution spray nozzle

235: air spray nozzle 236: O-ring

237: squeeze 240: transfer unit

241: linear motor guide 242: plate

243: support 244: linear motor

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a device for removing solidified ink or foreign matter or condensed ink droplets by agglomerating to a head of an ink-jet printer. Wiper, quenching of chemical solution, vacuum adsorption, squeeze, spray, air shower, chemical solution The present invention relates to a multifunctional head cleaner for an inkjet printer, which implements a more complete head cleaning since the components of the shower can be used in combination with a process suitable for various inks by performing each process of the shower stepwise or selectively.

In general, a printer that prints letters, figures, images, etc. on a printing medium such as paper or polyester film paper, digitizes a desired output signal, a transfer means for transferring ink and a head for ejecting ink, and an object to be printed. Consists of a work table and a cleaning unit to transfer.

Among these components, the cleaning device is an essential device of the printing apparatus in order for the head to perform an optimal printing function. The cleaning apparatus is used to maintain and maintain the surface of the ink ejection nozzle of the print head in a normal state. It is common to have only one kind of function.

1 is a view showing the configuration of a head cleaner using a wiping sheet according to the prior art, 'Seiko Epson' filed in Korean Patent Application No. 10-2002-0061970 (published on April 26, 2003) Head unit assembly device and assembly method, liquid drop ejection head positioning device and positioning method, liquid crystal display device manufacturing method, organic EL device manufacturing method, electron emitting device manufacturing method, PD device manufacturing method, electricity The head cleaner shown in the manufacturing method of the electrophoretic display device, the manufacturing method of a color filter, the manufacturing method of an organic EL, the spacer formation method, the metal wiring formation method, the lens formation method, the resist formation method, and the light-diffuser formation method is shown briefly. It is.

Figure 1 (a) is a schematic view of the cleaning device, a wiping sheet 135 in the form of a roll, the auxiliary roller 138, the cleaning liquid injection portion 139, the roller 137 which is the contact area of the head and the wiping sheet used Roll rewinding 136, it is composed of a transfer mechanism 133 that can move the whole toward the head.

The cleaning apparatus of FIG. 1 transfers the cleaner toward the head using the transfer mechanism 133 for head cleaning, and evenly sprays the cleaning liquid onto the wiping sheet in the cleaning liquid spraying part 139. The detail of the moment when a head touches is shown in FIG.1 (b).

As shown, Seiko Epson's cleaning device performs a function of wiping the surface (nozzle) of the head with a wiping sheet moistened with a cleaning liquid, which is difficult to remove the solidified ink, but also inside the nozzle hole. Not suitable for removing foreign substances.

Figure 2 is a view showing the configuration of a cleaner having a suction function according to the prior art, for the digital printing machine of DGI (DGI) filed in Republic of Korea Patent Application No. 10-2002-0054887 (published on March 18, 2004) The cleaner of the suction device is shown.

As shown, the cleaner of the digital eye is composed of the suction body 50, the spring 75, the motor 96, the driving means 90 and the sensor detecting unit 120 to suck the air, the head of the suction body If it is located above 50, the motor 96 is driven and the drive means 90 transmits the power of the motor 96 to move the head body up and down. And the sensor detection unit 120 is to detect the position of the vertical movement.

However, as shown in FIG. 2, a cleaner having only a suction function has a problem that is not suitable for removing residual ink or solidified ink on the head surface (nozzle).

Therefore, an object of the present invention for solving the above problems is the quenching of solidified ink or foreign matter, condensed ink drops, etc., which causes clogging of the head nozzle for ejecting ink during the printing operation of the inkjet printer, quenching of chemical solution, Multi-functional head for inkjet printers that can maintain the best print quality by realizing more perfect head cleaning by selecting or combining various methods such as vacuum adsorption, squeeze, air shower, chemical solution shower according to the head nozzle clogging factors To provide a cleaner.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an ink jet printer head cleaner,

Imaging means for generating an image information for determining whether the nozzle is clogged and whether the ink injection direction is deformed by enlarging and instantaneously photographing the injection state of the head;

First cleaning means for cleaning the surface of the head and the nozzle by rotating the wiping sheet wound in a roll;

Scrape off the foreign substances on the surface of the head, remove foreign substances on the head surface and the nozzle by vacuum suction, spray the chemical solution to wash the foreign substances on the head surface and the nozzle, and spray the air to spray the chemical on the head surface and the nozzle Second cleaning means for drying the;

It provides a multi-function head cleaner for an inkjet printer, characterized in that consisting of; transfer means for moving the image pickup means, the first cleaning means and the second cleaning means to the cleaning position of the head.

In addition, the multi-function head cleaner for an inkjet printer according to the present invention controls the transfer means according to at least one of a cleaning request signal of the head and a reserved time for performing head cleaning, and the first cleaning means. And a control unit for controlling the driving of the transfer means, the first cleaning means and the second cleaning means to position the head in at least one cleaning means of the second cleaning means and to clean the surface of the head with the cleaning means. It is preferable to further control each component by providing further ;;

Further, in the multifunctional head cleaner for an inkjet printer according to the present invention, before the cleaning of the surface of the head, the control unit may be configured according to at least one of a check signal of the head and a predetermined time of performing a head check from the outside. And controlling the transfer means to position the head on the imaging means, to enlarge and instantiate the ejection state of the head, and to determine whether or not to clean the head from the captured image signal.

Further, in the multifunctional head cleaner for an inkjet printer according to the present invention, the imaging means,

A basket for receiving the head,

A lens for enlarging an injection state of the head housed in the basket;

And a camera for capturing the jet state of the head enlarged by the lens.

Further, in the multifunctional head cleaner for an inkjet printer according to the present invention, the basket is

One side is made of a transparent material so that the camera can capture the ink ejection state of the head, characterized in that it is further provided with illumination in one side.

Further, in the multifunctional head cleaner for an inkjet printer according to the present invention, the first cleaning means,

Seatrol for mounting the wiping sheet to clean the surface of the head in the form of a roll,

A recovery roll for recovering the wiping sheet for cleaning the head surface and winding in a roll form;

Rotary drive motor for providing a recovery power to the recovery roll,

Tension maintaining motor to maintain a constant tension on the wiping sheet by providing a proper rotational force to the sea troll,

A solution container mounted between the citrol and the recovery roll to accommodate a chemical solution;

Upside down is composed of a plurality of rollers coupled to one member, the cleaning sheet received in the solution container and moved by the rotary drive motor to the surface of the head to clean the surface of the head Rolls and

Move the up and down rolls up and down according to the position of the head to adjust the position where the wiping sheet is in contact with the surface of the head, and between the wiping sheet and the chemical solution over the top of the up and down rolls It is characterized by consisting of a cylinder for adjusting the contact.

In addition, in the multi-function head cleaner for an inkjet printer according to the present invention, the first cleaning means is mounted adjacent to the sea troll and the recovery roll, respectively, to lower the wiping sheet to smoothly move the wiping sheet. It further characterized in that it further comprises an auxiliary roll to support each.

In addition, in the multifunctional head cleaner for an inkjet printer according to the present invention, the up-and-down roll bundle may include an upper roll and a lower roll to selectively provide one of a wiping sheet wet to the head and a wiping sheet wet to the chemical solution. It is characterized by consisting of a roll.

In addition, in the multi-function head cleaner for an inkjet printer according to the present invention, the rotary drive motor is characterized in that the servo motor capable of adjusting the rotational speed under the control of the controller to control the moving speed of the wiping sheet.

In addition, in the multifunctional head cleaner for an inkjet printer according to the present invention, the tension maintaining motor is any one of a servo motor and a powder brake capable of adjusting the rotational force under the control of the controller to maintain the tension of the wiping sheet. It is done.

In addition, in the multi-function head cleaner for an inkjet printer according to the present invention, the cylinder is characterized by a two-stage stroke cylinder which can adjust the position of the up-down roll bundle to three positions in the upper, middle, and lower positions.

In addition, in the multifunctional head cleaner for an inkjet printer according to the present invention, the cylinder includes an upper end of the up-down roll bundle cleaning the head surface with a dry wiping sheet, and the up-down roll bundle wetted the head surface with a chemical solution. A stop portion for cleaning with a wiping sheet and a lower portion for cleaning the head surface in contact with the chemical solution with a wiping sheet in the chemical solution are moved sequentially from the upper portion to the lower portion. And cleaning the head.

In the multifunctional head cleaner for an inkjet printer according to the present invention, the second cleaning means includes:

Squeeze to scrape the surface of the head to remove foreign substances such as solidified ink on the surface,

A vacuum suction port for adhering the surface of the head to an O-ring to suck and remove foreign substances removed by the squeeze and foreign substances inside the nozzle by vacuum;

A plurality of solution spray nozzles for removing foreign substances by spraying a chemical solution on the surface of the head and around the nozzle;

It is characterized by consisting of a plurality of air spray nozzles for drying the remaining chemical solution by spraying air on the surface of the head and around the nozzle.

In addition, in the multifunctional head cleaner for an inkjet printer according to the present invention, the solution spray nozzle and the air spray nozzle are characterized in that arranged in a row alternately inside the vacuum suction port.

In the multifunctional head cleaner for an inkjet printer according to the present invention, the second cleaning means includes: squeeze cleaning by the squeeze, vacuum suction cleaning by the vacuum suction port, chemical solution spray cleaning and the air by the solution spray nozzle. It characterized in that the head is cleaned by sequentially performing the air spray drying by the injection nozzle.

Further, in the multi-functional head cleaner for an inkjet printer according to the present invention, the transfer means,

A plate for mounting and fixing the imaging means, the first cleaning means and the second cleaning means,

A linear motor coupled to the bottom of the plate;

The linear motor is characterized by consisting of a linear motor guide for moving the plate.

In addition, in the multi-function head cleaner for an inkjet printer according to the present invention, the transfer means is characterized in that it further comprises a support for supporting the plate below the plate.

Further, in the multifunctional head cleaner for an inkjet printer according to the present invention, the transfer means is configured to sequentially position the imaging means, the first cleaning means, and the second cleaning means in the head under the control of the control unit. And means, said first cleaning means and said second cleaning means to sequentially clean said head.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. First of all, in adding reference numerals to the components of each drawing, it should be noted that the same components have the same reference numerals as much as possible even if they are displayed on different drawings. Detailed descriptions of well-known functions and configurations that are determined to unnecessarily obscure the subject matter of the present invention will be omitted.

3 is a perspective view of a multifunctional head cleaner for an inkjet printer according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a multifunctional head for an inkjet printer to help explain the structure of the multifunctional head cleaner for the inkjet printer of FIG. 3. An exploded perspective view of each cleaner function.

The multifunctional head cleaner 200 for an inkjet printer according to the present invention is positioned on one side of the same plane as the print object just below the plane in which the head is moved in the inkjet printer, and has a predetermined space for horizontal transfer.

As shown in FIG. 3, the multifunctional head cleaner 200 for an inkjet printer according to the present invention includes an imaging unit 210, which is an imaging unit, which checks ink ejection of a head with a camera and checks whether a nozzle is abnormal, and a dry wipe. Wet Cleaner 220, the first cleaning means for wiping the head surface with a wiping sheet using a ping sheet or chemical solution, and removing foreign substances by squeeze and suction using vacuum And a dry cleaner 230 that is a second cleaning means for performing a gas shower and a chemical solution shower, and a transfer part 240 which is a transfer means for moving them step by step.

Each component of the multifunction head cleaner 200 for an inkjet printer according to the present invention performs each function under the control of a controller (not shown) according to a user's key input or a reserved command.

The control unit controls the transfer unit 240 according to the cleaning request signal of the head applied from the outside or the internal recognition signal according to the scheduled time of performing the head cleaning performed, and the head is applied to the wet cleaner 220 or the dry cleaner 230. And the transfer unit 240, the wet cleaner unit 220, and the dry cleaner unit 230 are driven to clean the surface of the head with the cleaning means.

At this time, preferably, the control unit controls the transfer unit 240 to first move the wet cleaner unit 220 to the head position to perform cleaning by the wet cleaner unit 220, and again to control the transfer unit 240 dry cleaner The unit 220 is moved to a head position to perform cleaning by the dry cleaner unit 230 so that sequential cleaning of the head surface and the nozzle is performed.

Meanwhile, before the head is cleaned, the control unit controls the transfer unit 240 according to an internal recognition signal according to a check signal of the head applied from the outside or a scheduled head check execution time, thereby positioning the head in the imaging unit 210. The head cleaning can be performed by enlarging and instantaneously capturing the ejection state of the head and directly determining whether the head is cleaned from the captured image signal to determine the head cleaning.

Accordingly, the multi-function head cleaner 200 for an inkjet printer according to the present invention checks the state of the head according to the head check key input or the head cleaning key input of the user to perform head cleaning as necessary or without checking the head state. Head cleaning can be performed immediately.

In addition, the multi-function head cleaner 200 for an inkjet printer according to the present invention checks the state of the head at a specified time or at a specified period according to a user's head check reservation or head cleaning reservation, and performs head cleaning as necessary, By performing the head cleaning immediately without checking, it is possible to automatically maintain a good state of the head.

Hereinafter, the configuration of each part of the multifunctional head cleaner 200 for an inkjet printer according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

(One). Imaging section 210-imaging means

In the imaging unit 210, when the head is positioned in the basket 214 and ejects ink, the illumination 213 and the CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) camera 211 emit light and image to detect foreign substances on the head surface and the nozzle. It performs a function of enlarging and capturing images to determine the ink ejection direction.

To this end, the imaging unit 210 has a basket 214 for accommodating the head, and a jet state of the head enlarged by the lens 212 and the lens 212 for enlarging the ejection state of the head accommodated in the basket 214. The camera 211 is configured to take a moment, the basket 214 is formed on one side of the transparent member 215, such as glass, so that the camera 211 can image the ink ejection state of the head, one side The lighting 213 is provided.

According to the above-described configuration, the imaging unit 210 accurately captures the ink spray of the head by enlarging a drop falling inside the transparent member 215 such as glass through the lens 212. It is possible to check whether the nozzles are not clogged by the imaging and whether the dropping direction of the ink is ejected differently due to the foreign matter.

(2). Wet cleaner 220-first cleaning means

The wet cleaner unit 220 is a system driven by the servomotor 221 and the servomotor or the powder brake 222, and a wiping sheet wound on the seatroll 226 in the form of a roll is an auxiliary roll 227. The wiping sheet 226 used to move to the path of another auxiliary roll 227 and the recovery roll 229 through the up-down roll bundle 228 formed in a triangular arrangement through the recovery roll ( 229).

In this process, the servo motor 221 is a rotational drive motor providing a recovery force having a constant speed or a variable speed to the recovery roll 229 to recover the wiping sheet used to clean the head, and to rotate the servo motor or powder brake. (Powder Brake, 222) is a tension maintaining motor that provides the appropriate torque to the seattle 226 to maintain the constant tension of the wiping sheet at all times to clean the head while the wiping sheet moves. Perform.

To this end, the wet cleaner unit 220 is a seatroll 226 for mounting a wiping sheet for cleaning the surface of the head in a roll form, and a recovery roll 229 for recovering the wiping sheet for cleaning the head surface and winding it in a roll form. ), A servo motor 221 which is a rotational driving motor that provides recovery power to the recovery roll 229, a servomotor that is a tension maintaining motor that maintains a constant tension on the wiping sheet by providing a proper rotational force to the wiping sheet or A solution container 225 mounted between the powder brake 222, the seating 226 and the recovery roll 229 to receive a chemical solution, and composed of a plurality of rollers coupled to one member on both sides, and a solution container The up-down roll bundle 228 for cleaning the surface of the head by contacting the wiping sheet accommodated in the 225 and moved by the servomotor 221 to the surface of the head and the up-down roll bundle 228 according to the position of the head. The wiping sheet contacts the surface of the head by moving it up and down It is adjusting the position and consists of a two-stage stroke cylinder (223) to control whether or not the contact and spanning the upper wiping sheets and the chemical solution in the up-down roll wad 228. The

In addition, the wet cleaner unit 220 is mounted adjacent to each of the seating 226 and the recovery roll 229, respectively, and supports the auxiliary roll 227 for supporting the wiping sheet from the bottom to facilitate the movement of the wiping sheet. Equipped.

In this case, the up-down roll bundle 228 is composed of an upper roll 228a and a lower roll 228b to selectively provide any of the wiping sheet wet to the head and the wiping sheet wet with the chemical solution.

In addition, the two-stage stroke cylinder 223 has an upper end for the up-down roll bundle 228 to clean the head surface with a dry wiping sheet, and the up-down roll bundle 228 for the wiping sheet wet with the chemical solution. The stop portion for cleaning and the lower portion of the up and down roll bundle 228 that cleans the head surface in contact with the chemical solution with the wiping sheet in the chemical solution are adjustable in position, and are sequentially moved from the upper end to the lower end to move the head. Clean.

That is, the wet cleaner unit 220 of the multi-function head cleaner 200 for an inkjet printer according to the present invention uses three cleaning methods provided by the three-step positioning when the head is positioned on the up-down roll bundle 228. Can be used individually or in stages to clean the heads.

The three cleaning methods will be described in more detail. First, the up-down roll bundle 228 is moved to the top by the two-stage stroke cylinder 223 to completely remove the up-down roll bundle 228 from the chemical solution 224. Keep the wiping sheet dry. At this time, if the head surface slightly touches the upper roll 228a, and the servo motor 221 is driven, the head can be cleaned with the dried wiping sheet.

Second, the up and down rolls 228 are moved to the intermediate position by the two-stage stroke cylinder 223, and the upper and lower rolls 228a in the up and down rolls 228 are contained in the chemical solution 224. Come out. In this state, only the lower roll 228b is immersed in the chemical solution 224 so that the wet wiping sheet is supplied to the upper roll 228a. At this time, if the head surface slightly touches the upper roll 228a and drives the servo motor 221, the head surface may be cleaned with the wet wiping sheet 226.

Third, the up-down roll bundle 228 is moved to the lower end by the two-stage stroke cylinder 223 so that the entire up-down roll bundle 228 is immersed in the chemical solution 224. In this state, if the head is lightly immersed in the chemical solution 224, only the nozzle part may dissolve the ink solidified on the head surface (nozzle) or the solid foreign matter inside the nozzle. At this time, if the head surface (nozzle) slightly touches the upper roll 228a and drives the servo motor 221, the head surface may be cleaned with the wiping sheet in the chemical solution.

(3). Dry cleaner 230-second cleaning means

Dry cleaner 230 is a rubber comb-shaped squeeze 237 to scratch the surface of the head to remove foreign substances such as solidified ink on the surface, the surface of the head in close contact with the O-ring (236) squeeze 237 Vacuum suction port 231 for suctioning and removing foreign substances removed by vacuum and foreign matter inside the nozzle, a plurality of solution spray nozzles 234 for spraying a chemical solution to the surface of the head and the nozzle to remove the foreign substances and the surface of the head and It is composed of a plurality of air spray nozzles 235 for spraying air around the nozzle to dry the remaining chemical solution.

In order to increase the injection efficiency of the chemical solution and air (gas), the solution injection nozzle 234 and the air injection nozzle 235 are preferably arranged in a row alternately inside the vacuum inlet 231.

In accordance with the above-described configuration, the dry cleaner unit 230 may include a squeeze cleaning by the squeeze 237, a vacuum suction cleaning by the vacuum suction opening 231, a chemical solution spray cleaning and an air spray nozzle 235 by the solution spray nozzle 234. Air spray drying by) is carried out sequentially to clean the head.

In more detail, the dry cleaner unit 230 primarily scrapes the head surface (nozzle) with a squeeze 236 to remove foreign substances or solidified ink on the head surface, and then adheres the head surface to the O-ring 236 and vacuums it. Suction through the suction port 231 to remove the foreign matter in the nozzle. Then, the chemical solution is supplied to the chemical solution supply unit 233, and the chemical solution is sprayed to the head through the solution spray nozzle 234 to wash away the foreign matter on the nozzle.

After the chemical solution is sprayed, air (gas) is supplied to the air supply unit 232, the air (gas) is injected into the air spray nozzle 235 to dry the chemical solution remaining on the head surface.

(4). Transfer section 240-transfer means

The transfer unit 240 includes one plate 242 for mounting the imaging unit 210, the wet cleaner unit 220, and the dry cleaner unit 230, and two LM guides for transferring the plate 242 ( The linear motor guide 241 and the plurality of linear motors 244 are preferably provided with a support 243 under the plate 242 for supporting the plate 242.

The plate 242 mounts and fixes the imaging unit 210, the wet cleaner unit 220, and the dry cleaner unit 230, and moves the plate 242 by a plurality of linear motors 244 coupled to the bottom surface. It is coupled to the linear motor guide 241.

According to the above-described configuration, all the operations of transferring each component toward the head are performed by the transfer unit 240. The transfer unit 240 sequentially positions the imaging unit 210, the wet cleaner unit 220, and the dry cleaner unit 230 in the head under the control of the controller to sequentially clean the head surface and the nozzle.

FIG. 5 is a control flow diagram sequentially illustrating respective cleaning processes of the multifunction head cleaner for the inkjet printer of FIG. 3. As illustrated, the multifunction head cleaner 200 for the inkjet printer according to the present invention is applied to all operations of the components. In addition to selective individual control, it is possible to sequentially perform complex functions by setting each cleaning process step by step and interlocking each component.

As illustrated, the controller moves the imaging unit 210 to the head position in step 303 according to the head cleaning request of the external or internal signal in step 301, and expands the head ejection state and performs the instant imaging in step 305.

In step 307, the head abnormality is determined from the captured image of step 305, and a cleaning step to be performed in step 309 is set.

Preferably, the cleaning by the wet cleaner unit 220 in step 315 and the cleaning by the dry cleaner unit 230 in step 327 are performed sequentially.

The cleaning process by the wet cleaner unit 220 starts from step 311 in which the controller controls the transfer unit 240 to transfer the wet cleaner unit 220 to the head position. The transferred wet cleaner unit 220 drives the two-stage stroke cylinder 223 in step 313 to move the up-down roll bundle 228 up and down to perform a series of cleaning steps in step 315.

First, the two-stage stroke cylinder 223 moves to the top to perform cleaning by the dry wiping sheet in step 317 for a predetermined time, and moves to the stop to perform cleaning by the wet wiping sheet in step 319 for a predetermined time. After moving to the bottom, the cleaning of the wiping sheet is performed for a predetermined time while the head of step 321 is immersed in the chemical solution.

When the cleaning by the wet cleaner unit 220 is completed, the controller determines whether dry cleaning is necessary in step 323 and moves to step 325. In this case, the cleaning process may be sequentially performed by the dry cleaner unit without determining in step 323.

In step 325, the controller controls the transfer unit 240 to transfer the dry cleaner unit to the head position, and sequentially performs the cleaning step by the series of dry cleaner units 230 in step 327.

The control unit performs cleaning by the squeeze 237 in step 329, and closes the head surface to the O-ring in step 331 and performs cleaning by vacuum suction, and in step 333 and 335, chemical solution injection and air (gas) injection By washing and drying.

When the wet cleaning and dry cleaning is completed, the control unit controls the transfer unit 240 to return the multi-functional head cleaner 200 for an inkjet printer according to the present invention and ends the cleaning process.

As described above, the multi-functional head cleaner for an inkjet printer according to the present invention is capable of selectively controlling individual operations for all the operations of the components, and by setting the cleaning processes step by step to interlock the components to provide an inkjet printer. Solidified ink, foreign matter, condensed ink drops, etc., which cause clogging of the head nozzle that sprays ink during the printing process, can be used such as wiper, quenching of chemical solution, vacuum adsorption, quiz, air shower, and chemical solution shower. It is possible to remove in stages by selecting or combining according to the cause of clogging of the head nozzle.

On the other hand, in the detailed description of the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, various modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the invention.

In particular, in the cleaning process of the multi-function head cleaner for an inkjet printer according to the present invention, a sequential cleaning process has been described as a preferred embodiment. However, the wet cleaning process and the dry cleaning process may be changed in order, and may be performed individually. It can also be used only.

In addition, the cleaning procedures of the wet cleaning process and the dry cleaning process may also be used individually as well as the order thereof may be changed, but the detailed description of the present invention will be described in the preferred order.

Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be limited to the described embodiments, but should be determined not only by the scope of the following claims, but also by the equivalents of the claims.

As described above, the present invention has the effect of maintaining the best head condition by the step-by-step combination of the wet cleaner unit and the dry cleaner unit, regardless of which ink is used in the printing operation of the inkjet printer.

In addition, the present invention continuously checks the state of the head at a specified time or a specified period according to the user's head check reservation or head cleaning reservation to perform head cleaning as needed, or immediately perform head cleaning without checking the head condition. There is an effect that can maintain the state of satisfactorily.

Accordingly, the present invention has the effect of maximizing the printing efficiency because it is possible to immediately determine and correct the state failure of the head.

Claims (18)

In the head cleaner for an inkjet printer, Imaging means for generating an image information for determining whether the nozzle is clogged and whether the ink injection direction is deformed by enlarging and instantaneously photographing the injection state of the head; First cleaning means for cleaning the surface of the head and the nozzle by rotating the wiping sheet wound in a roll; Scrape off the foreign substances on the head surface, remove foreign substances on the head surface and nozzle by vacuum suction, spray chemical solution to wash off foreign substances on the head surface and nozzle, and spray air to spray chemical on the head surface and nozzle Second cleaning means for drying the; And transfer means for moving the image pickup means, the first cleaning means, and the second cleaning means to a cleaning position of the head. The method of claim 1, At least one of the first cleaning means and the second cleaning means by controlling the transfer means according to at least one of a cleaning request signal of the head and a reserved head cleaning execution time recognition signal from the outside; And a control unit for controlling the driving of the transfer means, the first cleaning means, and the second cleaning means to position the head in the head and to clean the surface of the head with the corresponding cleaning means. Head cleaner. The method of claim 2, wherein prior to cleaning the head surface, the control unit, According to at least one of a check signal of the head and a reserved head check execution time recognition signal from the outside, the transfer means is controlled to position the head in the imaging means, and the injection state of the head is expanded and instantaneously. And a head cleaning is determined by determining whether or not the head is cleaned from the captured image signal. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the imaging means, A basket for receiving the head, A lens for enlarging an injection state of the head housed in the basket; And a camera for capturing the jet state of the head enlarged by the lens. The method of claim 4, wherein the basket, One side is made of a transparent material so that the camera can capture the ink ejection state of the head, the multi-function head cleaner for an inkjet printer, characterized in that it further comprises an illumination in one side. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first cleaning means, Seatrol for mounting the wiping sheet to clean the surface of the head in the form of a roll, A recovery roll for recovering the wiping sheet for cleaning the head surface and winding in a roll form; Rotary drive motor for providing a recovery power to the recovery roll, Tension maintaining motor to maintain a constant tension on the wiping sheet by providing a proper rotational force to the sea troll, A solution container mounted between the citrol and the recovery roll to accommodate a chemical solution; Upside down is composed of a plurality of rollers coupled to one member, the cleaning sheet received in the solution container and moved by the rotary drive motor to the surface of the head to clean the surface of the head Rolls and Move the up and down rolls up and down according to the position of the head to adjust the position where the wiping sheet is in contact with the surface of the head, and between the wiping sheet and the chemical solution over the top of the up and down rolls Multi-functional head cleaner for inkjet printer, characterized in that consisting of a cylinder for adjusting the contact. The method of claim 6, wherein the first cleaning means, And an auxiliary roll attached to each of the seating roll and the recovery roll to support the wiping sheet from below so as to smoothly move the wiping sheet. The method of claim 6, wherein the up and down rolls, Multi-functional head cleaner for an inkjet printer, characterized in that the upper roll and the lower roll to selectively provide any of the dry wiping sheet and the chemical wet wipe sheet to the head. According to claim 6, The rotary drive motor, Multifunction head cleaner for an inkjet printer, characterized in that the servo motor can be adjusted according to the control of the controller to control the moving speed of the wiping sheet. The method of claim 6, wherein the tension maintaining motor, Multifunction head cleaner for an inkjet printer, characterized in that any one of a servo motor and a powder brake capable of adjusting the rotational force under the control of the controller to maintain the tension of the wiping sheet. The method of claim 6, wherein the cylinder, Multi-functional head cleaner for inkjet printer, characterized in that the position of the up-down roll bundle can be adjusted to three positions in the upper, middle, lower. The method of claim 11, wherein the cylinder, An upper end of the up-down roll bundle to clean the head surface with a dry wiping sheet, a stop portion of the up-down roll bundle to clean the head surface with a wet wiping sheet with a chemical solution, and the up-down roll bundle to the chemical solution The head surface in contact with the divided into a lower end for cleaning with a wiping sheet in the chemical solution, the multi-functional head cleaner for an inkjet printer, characterized in that the moving from the upper end to the lower end sequentially cleaning the head. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second cleaning means, Squeeze to scrape the surface of the head to remove foreign substances such as solidified ink on the surface, A vacuum suction port for adhering the surface of the head to an O-ring to suck and remove foreign substances removed by the squeeze and foreign substances inside the nozzle by vacuum; A plurality of solution spray nozzles for removing foreign substances by spraying a chemical solution on the surface of the head and around the nozzle; And a plurality of air spray nozzles for drying the chemical solution by spraying air on the surface of the head and around the nozzles. The method of claim 13, wherein the solution spray nozzle and the air spray nozzle, Multifunctional head cleaner for an inkjet printer, characterized in that arranged alternately in the vacuum suction port. The method of claim 13, wherein the second cleaning means, Cleaning the head by sequentially performing squeeze cleaning by the squeeze, vacuum suction cleaning by the vacuum suction port, chemical solution spray cleaning by the solution spray nozzle, and air spray drying by the air spray nozzle. Multifunctional head cleaner for inkjet printers. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the transfer means, A plate for mounting and fixing the imaging means, the first cleaning means and the second cleaning means, A linear motor coupled to the bottom of the plate; Multifunctional head cleaner for an inkjet printer, characterized in that the linear motor guide for moving the plate by the linear motor. The method of claim 16, wherein the transfer means, And a support for supporting the plate under the plate. The method of claim 2, wherein the transfer means, Under the control of the controller, the imaging means, the first cleaning means and the second cleaning means are sequentially placed on the head so that the imaging means, the first cleaning means and the second cleaning means sequentially move the head. A multifunctional head cleaner for inkjet printers, characterized by cleaning.

Images